It’s not just cheerleaders that have to be dedicated to cheer. In order to keep up with the schedule and fees, the parents do too! The summer season can be the most stressful and time consuming. It can be particularly overwhelming if this is your child’s first year as a cheerleader. Never fear, we’re here to help you survive the season! Practice During the summer, your cheerleader will have practice. A lot. And if she doesn’t drive, that means you’ll be driving her around quite often. Talk with the other cheer parents and see if you can set up a carpool. Each mom or dad can take turns driving the group to and from practice. Camp Many squads head to camp during the summer! Whether it’s for one day or a week, help your cheerleader pack, as he/she may overlook necessities like sunscreen and a water bottle. Camp is an exciting time for cheerleaders, so expect to hear her talking about it a lot! Appetite and Sleep Schedule As your cheerleader practices more often, stretches more often, and burns energy more often, her appetite and need for sleep will greatly increase. Don’t worry if you think she’s sleeping or eating more than usual. She needs to in order to refuel! Stock the pantry and fridge with healthy and energy boosting snacks, like protein bars, trail mix, fruits, and vegetables. At dinner, make sure she’s eating a complete meal, with protein, veggies, and carbs. A great dinner idea is grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and brown rice or quinoa. Stress Your cheerleader may start feeling more stressful as she learns to balance practice with her social life. Cheerleading takes up a lot of time and requires passion and dedication. If she starts acting moody or grumpy, talk with her. She may just be feeling stressful. Always let her know that you’re there for her. Words of encouragement from a parent can do wonders. Fees There’s no way to break the news lightly: cheerleading is an expensive sport. There are a lot of fees that may look overwhelming. However, many squads fundraise, which can greatly reduce costs. Also, don’t be afraid to speak with the coach about other ways to reduce the fees. He/she may be able to let you do additional fundraising or other volunteer work in exchange for reduced costs. If multiple parents talk with the coach about high fees, he/she may be able to find ways to reduce them, like purchasing less expensive uniforms. Are you a veteran cheer parent? What are your tips for the rookies?
The Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Summer Cheer Season
